Ideation Lab Pitch Competition

August 13, 2025
5:30PM – 7:00PM EST
Location
@ Online via Zoom
Prize Pool
$10,000

Join us from 5:30pm to 7:00pm on August 13, 2025, for the Ideation Lab Pitch Competition!

ICUBE at UTM is proud to celebrate stellar innovation from an incredible array of diverse founders within our student, alumni, and regional community. We are also excited to honour the work of many founders through the Ideation Lab across other sectors at this dynamic competition. Be sure to join us virtually to see examples of how the pitching process works and understand what to expect from investors and interested parties. And don’t forget that you can cast your vote and make a difference by helping to determine the People’s Choice recognitions for the evening

Judges

Founder & CEO of Sunflower Communications

Nina Staer Nathan

Founder & CEO of Sunflower Communications

Founder of Haami Lingerie Inc.

Faria Jafri

Founder of Haami Lingerie Inc.

Co-founder and Chief Partnerships Officer at Swiirl

Kay Boamah

Co-founder and Chief Partnerships Officer at Swiirl

Eligibility Criteria

  • Member of the Ideation Lab program during the 2024-2025 year
  • Ideation Lab Members: Successfully attended at least virtual and/or in-person events hosted by ICUBE.

Judging Criteria

The panel of judges will be looking for the venture’s:

  • Opportunity: A clearly identified problem and articulated and compelling value proposition
  • Viability and impact: Demonstrated traction, market opportunity and knowledge
  • Growth potential: Sustainable and scalable idea
  • Innovation: Intellectual property and/or strong competitive differentiation
  • Talent: A strong team
  • Communication skills: An effective and persuasive overall application and pitch presentation

Prizes

  • $7,000 – First Place Winner
  • $2,000 – Second Place Winner
  • $1,000 – People’s Choice Award

In-Kind Prizes

Ideation Lab W'26 Schedule

Date
Time
Topic
Saturday, Jan 24
9:30am to 4:30pm
(in-person bootcamp)
Welcome + Orientation, 15 Traits of an Entrepreneur, Human-Centered Design, Market Research
Wednesday, Jan 28
5:30pm to 7:30pm
(in-person)
De-Mystifying Early-Stage Financing For Researchers: VC vs Angels
Wednesday, Feb 04
5:30pm to 7:30pm
(virtual)
Legal Session (Ask Me Anything with SLC Law)
Wednesday, Feb 11
5:30pm to 7:30pm
(virtual)
Branding Workshop
Wednesday, Feb 18
Break
Wednesday, Feb 25
5:30pm to 7:30pm
(virtual)
Grants, Loans, and Subsidies 
Wednesday, Mar 04
5:30pm to 7:30pm
(in-person)
Pitch with a Twist
Wednesday, Mar 11
5:30pm to 7:30pm
(virtual)
Sales Workshop
Wednesday, Mar 18
5:30pm to 7:30pm
(virtual)
Accounting Ask Me Anything
Wednesday, Apr 01
5:30pm to 7:30pm
(virtual)
Storytelling & How to Pitch

Indigenous business training program created by RedBird Circle Inc. in partnership with UofT Libraries, ICUBE UTM and The Bridge at UTSC

An experiential learning program that follows the school 3 semesters schedule, for anyone with a great idea who wants to make it happen.

A boutique-style remote program to support your business development and help you grow through one-on-one support. This program is open all year.

A student-led creative studio with intends to serve the prototyping and design needs of our ventures and small businesses in our community.

This 2-day retreat is designed to help you reflect on your journey, what drives you, all the hats you wear and what is next for you and your social enterprise.